Last year, for the 1st time in many years, Swallows built a nest in the overhang at the front door. Over the autumn and winter, at least 10 Wrens, yes, I could not believe it, until I counted them one night, when I put the outside light on, were roosting in it. They are still roosting in there. On Saturday, I saw the first swallow return (last year it was a good 10 days before I saw the partner arrive back) it was sitting on the overhead cables. The nest is still well attached to the wall but is a bit ragged at the entrance, with all the Wrens being in there. Do I leave the nest alone and they will reuse it, maybe with a bit of updating or do I knock it down now, before the 2nd Swallow returns and they start to use it or rebuild? What about the Wrens then? Any advice greatly appreciated.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I'm not speaking from any depth of knowledge - I would just let nature take its course. Swallows do like to repair nests so I don't think they would have a problem with that. They might need to feed upper a while before they consider nest building so inspecting the nest a few times might encourage the Wrens to leave or they might evict hem - though the best result would be if the Wrens decided it was time to go and start up on their own.
Super, and I'm jealous.
You may recall in previous posts I've made, swallows can nest very close to places of human activity, so long as they feel safe, there's food, and water to build/repair/maintain the nest. Watch and enjoy.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Thanks both, I will,leave them all to it, hopefully the Wrens will find another roost.
Catlady said:Thanks both, I will,leave them all to it, hopefully the Wrens will find another roost.
You're welcome.
I forgot to add, last year I saw wrens using one former swallows nest while swallows were using an established swallow nest opposite. Both seemed to content with each other, and people walking a metre or so just below them.
Oh well, plenty of room then for them both in the porch. Oh no, have just had a thought, lots of poo!!!